About
- Jaw surgery can be used to shave the jaw for a slimmer appearance.
- It can also enhance a jawline that is not well defined.
- In some cases, it can also be used to correct pain from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or to correct an abnormal jaw or one that causes pain when chewing.
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Ease
- You will likely need to take at least 2 to 3 days off work while you recover from jaw surgery, plus one day for the procedure itself.
- The procedure takes 2 to 4 hours.
- You may need to spend one night or up to 4 nights in hospital while you recover.
Cost
- Jaw surgery ranges widely in price. It can cost anywhere from $6,500 to $56,000 depending on the doctor and the scope of the procedure.
- If the surgery is done solely for cosmetic reasons, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
Effectiveness
- Jaw surgery is permanent and usually very effective.
- If surgery is done to correct jaw alignment, you may also need to get braces to realign the teeth.
- If you are not looking for a permanent solution, you may achieve a similar but temporary effect from Botox or dermal fillers in the jaw and chin.
Jaw surgery, sometimes also called orthognathic surgery, can reshape the jaw and chin. It can be used to either strengthen and define the jaw or reduce the size of the bone to give the chin a slimmer appearance. In some cases, surgery can be used to align the teeth and jaw if they are not working properly.
If the surgery is for cosmetic reasons, it is unlikely to be covered by insurance. The procedure can cost anywhere from $6,500 to $56,000, depending on the type of surgery.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your jaw, have TMJD-related pain, or are unhappy with the appearance of Botox in the jawline, you may be a good candidate for jaw surgery.
If you are not yet fully grown, you should wait until you consider this procedure, as the jaw can shift with growth.
In addition to the cost of jaw surgery, which is estimated at $6,500 to $56,000, you will also need to take time off work to heal. While full healing can take up to 12 weeks, you can usually return to work within 1 to 3 weeks.
If the surgery is for cosmetic reasons only, it will not be covered by insurance. However, if you are having it because chewing or swallowing is painful or to correct other health problems, part of the surgery may be covered.
Jaw surgery works by shaving bone to reduce the size of the jaw. This procedure is sometimes part of facial feminization. Jaw reduction focuses on the back of the jaw, next to the ears. It can help smooth out any bulges and give the face an overall slimmer appearance.
Another option is a chin implant, which is a different type of surgery. This procedure involves placing an implant around your natural chin to create a sharper, sharper jawline.
- For most jaw surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia.
- The incisions are usually made inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars.
- If your jaw or teeth are out of alignment, they will be cut and then repositioned.
- Tiny bone plates, screws and wires, or rubber bands may be used to fix the jaw in place. The screws are permanent and will integrate into the jaw over time.
- If you are having a jaw reduction, a small incision will be made inside your mouth between the gums and the cheek.
- The surgeon will use a laser or a micro saw to shave off some of the bone.
Jaw surgery targets the jaw, chin and teeth. It can be performed on the upper or lower jaw or both, depending on your needs.
As with most facial surgery, jaw surgery comes with certain risks and side effects, including:
It is normal to have facial swelling after surgery, and depending on the extent of your surgery, you will likely stay in the hospital for a few days.
Your surgeon will provide instructions about what is safe to eat and drink, what kinds of pain medication you can take, how to sleep without disturbing the jaw, and when you can return to work or school.
You should not smoke or do vigorous activity or exercise after the procedure. Once the swelling is gone, you will see results immediately and they will be permanent, although you may still need braces to align your teeth with your new jaw shape.
- Depending on the type of jaw surgery, you may have braces placed on your teeth 12 to 18 months before your teeth are aligned before surgery.
- More immediately before your jaw surgery, you will want to prepare for your hospital stay, which can last up to 2 to 4 days.
- Make sure you pack a bag of things to keep you entertained, and if your surgery doesn’t require an overnight stay, arrange for someone to pick you up.
- Your doctor will likely ask you to stop smoking before surgery or to avoid certain medications.
- If you have facial feminization surgery, you may also be asked to stop hormones in the weeks before and after the procedure.
Here are some images to help you get an idea of what it can look like before and after cosmetic and non-cosmetic jaw surgery procedures.
Dermal fillers are another option for people who want a more pronounced jawline but don’t want to undergo surgery. The best candidates for jaw fillers already have a fairly strong jawline that they want to enhance slightly.
Botox along the jawline can create a similar effect to shaving the jaw, but Botox has a less permanent effect. Botox works to weaken the masseter muscles (sometimes called jowls) which can give the face and chin an overall slimmer appearance.
It is essential to find a reliable surgeon to perform jaw surgery. You can use this link to find surgeons near you. If possible, it can be helpful to be in their office beforehand and ask questions about the procedure and what you will need to know about aftercare.
